M. Palumbo (XX) - San Michele Arcangelo

This panel depicts the Archangel Michael, created according to the Byzantine iconographic tradition.
NOTE ON THE AUTHOR AND THE WORKMANSHIP
Origin of the Author: Created by an artist and iconographer originally from Monte Sant'Angelo.
Training and Technique: The author earned the iconographer's certificate at the Abbey of Santa Maria di Pulsano, where the monks passed down to him the ancient and rigorous method of egg tempera, uniting natural pigments with egg yolk according to the canonical tradition.
Sacred Value: The work has already received a blessing inside the Celestial Cave of Monte Sant'Angelo, a place of worship historically consecrated to the presence of Saint Michael.
DESCRIPTION AND ICONOGRAPHIC SYMBOLISM
The icon follows the theological canons of Byzantine painting, where every stylistic and chromatic element has a precise spiritual meaning:
Subject and Attributes: The Archangel Michael is depicted frontally and hierarchically. In his right hand he wields a drawn sword, symbol of the word of God, divine justice, and constant spiritual defense against the forces of evil. The ribbon between the hair (called torques or strophion) symbolizes attentive listening to the will of God and readiness to carry out His orders.
Halo and Leaf of Gold: The large golden halo represents the inaccessible light of God and holiness. The incorruptible gold symbolizes the heavenly kingdom and eternity.
Inscriptions: At the top appear the traditional abbreviations in Greek/Church Slavonic indicating the subject’s identity: Ó Ách. Michaíl (The Archangel Michael).
SYMBOLISM OF COLORS IN RELIGIOUS DOCTRINE
In Byzantine icon theology, colors do not serve a merely decorative function; they constitute a true theological language:
Red / Purple (Mantle and Wings): It is the color of divine fire, blood, royalty, and charitable love. The red garment and the warm hues on the wings indicate the spiritual ardor of the Archangel and his closeness to the throne of the divine as prince of the heavenly hosts.
Blue (Cuffs and Ribbons): It represents the mystery of the divine nature, the sky, and transcendence. Present on the sleeves of the robe and on the highlights, it signifies the heavenly origin and the grace of the Holy Spirit that enfolds God’s messenger.
Green (Background): The dark green background represents the earth, life that renews itself, and the action of God’s grace on creation.
Gold: Symbol of the created light of God. It surrounds the Saint’s face to indicate that his figure shares in the glory of the Kingdom of God.